Shaydon’s Tree of the Month: TAXODIUM distichum – Swamp Cypress

This week we’d like to introduce you to another member of the team. Here is Shaydon, from our Production & Tree Care crew. Shaydon is one of those chaps who can turn his hand to anything. You know, the type who can fix things with whatever there is laying around. Engine won’t start? No worries, a bit of string and a gentle fist bump on the battery will have it roaring like a V8. That type of thing.

Shaydon, December 2023

This makes Shaydon incredibly handy around the nursery, where he’s happy to get his feet wet when it rains, and isn’t fazed by…well, pretty much anything. Plus he goes about all the hard work like loading trucks for deliveries with a keen sense of humour that can’t be dulled by bad weather and shines bright in good weather.

Given all the above, we could have almost guessed Shaydon’s pick. Shaydon has opted for the Swamp Cypress, a tree that grows in all conditions and gets on with life in a no-fuss kind of way. Just like Shaydon, really.

Check out this video with Shaydon showing more of the magnificent Swamp Cypress tree.

TAXODIUM distichum – Swamp Cypress

Sometimes known as Bald Cypress, this unique conifer reaches upwards, majestically aiming an arrow to the sky. The feathery light green foliage signifies health and vitality during the warmer months, before turning to gold in Autumn. In the Winter sun it will finally reach a rich copper to red bronze colour that is almost flame like. There are many impressive specimens that can be found at parks around New Zealand like the Queenstown Gardens to name one.

  • Suitable for specimen or avenue tree
  • Ideal for swampy conditions and will also prosper in drier conditions
  • Deciduous, grows to 10m+

Photo: TAXODIUM distichum – Swamp Cypress in 45L container, 2.5m height, 5+ years old.

Beautiful Taxodium distichum - Swamp Cypress trees line at Easy Big Trees Nursery. Some with green, some with yellow-orange foliage, in 45 litre container.
TAXODIUM distichum - Swamp Cypress trees in Queenstown streetscape (supplied by Easy Big Trees) and Queenstown Gardens.
Large Taxodium distichum - Swamp Cypress tree with orange Autumn foliage by the lake at Queenstown Gardens.
Harry Winter planting tips: One way to keep your hands warm in Winter is to keep them busy with some planting! It might sound like a strange time to do this but we’re operating on nature’s timeline here, and nature is making sure the soil is moist, while keeping bugs and plant diseases at bay. Your new plants will appreciate the time getting used to their new home before Spring kicks in.
Harry Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Tips: It's true alright. Some work now will reap a bountiful harvest next Summer, when you really do get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The key is to stick to the 3 D's of pruning, getting rid of anything that's dead, diseased or damaged. Go about your work on a dry day and wear a few layers, so you can take them off as needed. Different fruit trees need to be pruned slightly differently but in general, just remember to not get too carried away. Trimming back by about 20% is a good rule of thumb.
Testimonial banner from Kate, Easy Big Trees client from Blenheim: 'The service from Easy Big Trees team is outstanding."
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